Animal litter comprising gypsum and aluminum sulfate and processes of making same

Abstract

There is provided an animal litter composition of agglomerated or compacted calcined calcium sulfate absorbent. The animal litter is screened to a particle size between 6 mesh and about 100 mesh. In another aspect of the invention, an effective amount of a binder such as a clay, lignin or starch is added to the calcium sulfate to assist the calcium sulfate to pelletize. The pelletized calcium sulfate is sized and calcined. The litter compositions are effective in absorbing urine, clumping and are easily disposed of. There is also disclosed processes for making the animal litter compositions.

That which is claimed is: 
     
       1. A granulated animal litter absorbent composition comprising gypsum and from about 1% to about 8% by weight of urea, from 5% to about 20% by weight anhydrous aluminum sulfate, sufficient sulfuric acid to neutralize any lime in the gypsum, said granulated composition having a particle size range between 4 mesh and 100 mesh. 
     
     
       2. The granulated animal litter according to claim 1 wherein said gypsum is post industrial waste gypsum or synthetic gypsum or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       3. The granulated animal litter according to claim 1 wherein said urea is present in an amount from about 4% to about 8% by weight. 
     
     
       4. The granulated animal litter according to claim 1 wherein said anhydrous aluminum sulfate is present in an amount effective to neutralize the odor produced by the urine from a cat's excretion. 
     
     
       5. A pelletized animal litter absorbent composition comprising calcined calcium sulfate and from about 1% to about 8% by weight of urea bound together, said pellets having a particle size range between 4 mesh and 100 mesh. 
     
     
       6. The animal litter according to claim 5 wherein said urea is present in an amount from about 4% by weight to about 8% by weight. 
     
     
       7. The animal litter according to claim 5 wherein said gypsum is post industrial waste gypsum, synthetic gypsum and mixtures thereof. 
     
     
       8. A composition comprising gypsum and from about 1% to about 8% by weight of urea, from 5% to about 20% by weight anhydrous aluminum sulfate, sufficient sulfuric acid to neutralize any lime in the gypsum, said composition having a particle size range between 4 mesh and 100 mesh. 
     
     
       9. The composition according to claim 8 wherein said gypsum is post industrial waste gypsum or synthetic gypsum or combinations thereof. 
     
     
       10. The composition according to claim 8 wherein said urea is present in an amount from about 4% to about 8% by weight. 
     
     
       11. The composition according to claim 8 wherein said anhydrous aluminum sulfate is present in an amount effective to neutralize the odor produced by the urine from a cat's excretion.